A decade ago, NFL teams were content with big, strong, physical linebackers who could dominate against the run and be solid in coverage. However, in today’s pass-first NFL, linebackers must excel in coverage, so speed, athleticism and coverage instincts are more important than size and strength in most defensive schemes.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 draft prospects at linebacker entering the college season:

1. Jarvis Jones, junior, Georgia

In his first season at Georgia after transferring from USC, Jones (6-3, 241, 4.65 40-yard dash) displayed the game-changing talent to make plays behind the line—something that was expected of him when he first arrived at USC. Jones has the agility to change directions in a blur to avoid blocks, and the lightning-quick burst to finish plays, which led to his 19½ tackles for loss and 13½ sacks in 2011. With so many NFL teams playing 3-4 defenses, Jones could be a top 10 pick as an outside linebacker because there is a premium on playmakers at that position. Projection: First-round pick

2. Manti Te’o, senior, Notre Dame

Te’o (6-2, 255, 4.70 40) has been the Fighting Irish’s best defensive player since he arrived on campus. Though he does not make a lot of big, impact plays behind the line, he is a strong, violent inside linebacker who is highly productive against the run and surprisingly productive in coverage. He has the talent to shine in the NFL as a middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or as a strongside inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Projection: First-round pick

3. Brandon Jenkins, senior, Florida State

Jenkins (6-3, 260, 4.70 40) is expected to make the switch from end to outside linebacker, joining a long line of Florida State players who have made that move. With his top-end chase speed, he has the ability to track down running backs across the field in pursuit. He also has the agility and balance to move through traffic effortlessly while chasing after ballcarriers. His experience and excellent use of hands while rushing the quarterback give him great value as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. His combination of size, strength and athleticism give him the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Projection: Second-round pick

4. Michael Mauti, senior, Penn State

Mauti (6-2, 232, 4.80 40) has been an impact defender when healthy, but his injury history keeps him from being ranked higher. After missing the 2009 season with a torn right ACL, Mauti had an excellent 2010 season and was off to an even better start in 2011 when he tore his left ACL in Penn State’s fourth game. He is a naturally instinctive defender who reads the play so quickly that he often gets moving toward the ball faster than some of the offensive players, which gives him sideline range. He needs to stay healthy and play up to his 2010 level to become a second- or third-round pick. Projection: Third-round pick

5. Nico Johnson, senior, Alabama

Even though linebacker Dont’a Hightower received most of the national recognition last year for Alabama, many NFL scouts told us that Johnson (6-3, 245, 4.75) was the more active and productive linebacker for the Tide. His thick build and good use of hands enable him to defeat blocks and make plays against the run. His underrated athleticism shows up in his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage and to move and adjust well in zone coverage. Johnson probably won’t wow anyone during spring workouts for NFL teams, but his production on the field should put him in position to be a second- or third-round pick. Projection: Third-round pick

6. Jamie Collins, senior, Southern Mississippi

A former starting safety, Collins (6-4, 239, 4.70 40) has bulked up and developed into one of the best run-and- chase linebackers in college football. The speed that allowed him to play safety makes it easy for him to make plays in pursuit and to perform well in man coverage. He will need to prove he can handle blockers to be drafted as highly as his production warrants. Projection: Third-round pick

7. Khaseem Greene, senior, Rutgers

In 2011, Greene (6-1, 230, 4.60 40) had an excellent first season playing outside linebacker after switching from safety. He displayed the coverage skills that make NFL teams drool. However, after undergoing surgery on his broken right leg following an injury in the Pinstripe Bowl, Greene needs to prove he is healthy in 2012. He could climb way up draft boards if he is healthy and plays at a high level this season. Projection: Third-round pick

8. Chris Borland, junior, Wisconsin

Few linebackers possess Borland’s elite speed and explosive closing burst, traits that help him overcome his lack of ideal height. After a shoulder injury caused him to miss much of 2010, Borland (5-11, 242, 4.65 40) was an impact player in 2011, making big plays all over the field. His playing style is similar to London Fletcher's, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Borland produce like Fletcher in the NFL. Projection: Third-round pick

9. Shayne Skov, senior, Stanford

With his instincts and ability to flash to the ball, Skov (6-3, 245, 4.75 40) has been able to make big plays throughout his career at Stanford. However, after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Stanford’s third game last season, there are questions surrounding his ability to return to his pre-injury form, when he looked like a potential first- or second-round pick. Projection: Third-round pick

10. Kenny Tate, senior, Maryland

After making the switch from safety in 2011, Tate (6-4, 230, 4.60 40) kept getting better until he had to be shut down after the fourth game because of lingering pain and swelling in his right knee. If he is healthy in 2012, Tate could move up draft boards—possibly to the second round—becaue of his speed at chasing down plays all over the field. Projection: Fourth-round pick